The 16 Best Vitamin C Moisturizers to Give You That Morning Glow

Vitamin C moisturizers are an essential part of any regular skincare routine. They’re well-known for their beneficial effects on collagen formation, brightening your complexion, and reducing hyperpigmentation. The vitamin C products on the market now come in a wide range of formats, from serums and toners to moisturizers and face creams.

You may have heard that vitamin C can help you maintain a healthy glow, and that’s true. Helping the body produce collagen—which gives skin its firmness—and decreasing hyperpigmentation—which may be brought on by sun damage or acne scars, vitamin C is able to minimize redness and level out skin tone. Use it topically morning or night after washing your face with your regular cleanser and after applying serum.

We spent several hours researching the topic, reading reviews, and analyzing the components of the most well-regarded vitamin C moisturizers. We looked at both SPF-containing and SPF-free moisturizers, as well as the rate of absorption. If you’re looking for a vitamin C-rich moisturizer, keep reading.

Besides hydrating, this vitamin C moisturizer also has anti-aging properties, according to clinical tests. To help lighten dullness, firmness, and bounce while dramatically enhancing elasticity, it mixes stabilized 5% vitamin C with the potent antioxidant capabilities of hexapeptide-5.

This lightweight gel-cream formulation was developed for all skin types and delivers long-lasting hydration without settling into wrinkles or appearing greasy.

According to one reviewer, “Vitamin C has been a huge player in my skincare routine for the last few years, and I have tried so many different brands. What I loved most about this one is the feel: it’s not too greasy, has just the perfect amount of cushioning, and works beautifully under makeup or sunscreen.”

Rejuvenate your skin with the help of Dr. Dennis Gross’ Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream.

While 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid reduces and prevents hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, lactic acid moisturizes and noticeably revitalizes dry, dull skin. Meanwhile, squalane hydrates and moisturizes the skin to help noticeably increase skin density.

It’s no secret that vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps maintain healthy collagen levels in the body. This formula helps calm redness and lighten dark spots on the skin that have developed through sun damage or other circumstances.

“Really like this vitamin C moisturizer. I find it makes my skin brighter and more hydrated. Mainly use it during the day under my makeup,” shares one user.

For intense hydration and a noticeable boost in brightness, use the C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer from Sunday Riley, which contains 5% vitamin C.

It also helps prevent premature aging caused by environmental stresses like UV radiation and pollution by providing powerful antioxidant support. This product is created with THD Ascorbate—a potent and highly targeted Vitamin C derivative that prevents and cures the visible indications of premature skin aging including fine lines and wrinkles.

You’ll want to use this product once or twice a day for glowing, hydrated skin!

If you have oily or sensitive skin, you should choose Murad‘s Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30. Vitamin C in the formula aids in skin brightening, bringing out a natural glow while also shielding against sun damage. It also includes ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, a powerful antioxidant that defends skin from pollution and other environmental hazards.

Although it is especially effective for dry facial skin, this moisturizer may be used on targeted areas on the body as well.

As one buyer raved, “I love this moisturizer. It’s lightweight and has a citrusy light fragrance and SPF 30. Leaves my skin feeling and looking wonderful!”

Skin can become dry and dull from the effects of stress, exhaustion, and pollution on a regular basis. Luckily, you can use Ole Henriksen’s C-Rush Brightening Gel Crème to counter.

This revolutionary peach-hued skin-brightening cream provides a continuous stream of revitalizing moisture for the duration of the day. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, restores the face’s glow, and tightens the skin, among other benefits. Using the gel cream before applying foundation results in a more equal, moisturized surface.

As a result of the combination of three different types of vitamin C, it gives out a surge of luminosity that you can feel.

According to one skincare enthusiast, “Best face cream I’ve tried so far. Better than some brands that cost over £100.”

An effective moisturizer, Bliss’ Bright Idea Moisturizer contains vitamin C and tri-peptide derived from clinical grade sources to dramatically brighten and give strong moisture.

Moreover, antioxidants preserve collagen and elasticity from further free radical damage. Morning and night, apply it with your fingertips to freshly cleansed skin or use it before applying SPF.

“This is my all-time favorite moisturizer. I’ve used it so much you can’t even read the label on the first one!! It is amazing. It makes my face feel so smooth and refreshed. It also smells great! I buy the mini one and it lasts me a few months,” said one user.

This lightweight moisturizer contains vitamin C, which is proven to combat free radicals on the skin’s surface and eventually protect your skin from damage manifested in the form of fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

The citrus-scented formula also contains vitamin B, known to help skin retain moisture keeping it seriously hydrated. The result? A flawless, oil-free finish that lasts all day!

All skin types, including oily and dry, can benefit from this ultra-light face moisturizer.

If you’re seeking an effective moisturizer that will help you attain a more youthful appearance, Peter Thomas Roth’s Potent-C Vitamin C Bright & Plump Moisturizer is a terrific alternative.

All of vitamin C’s health advantages, such as antioxidant defense and anti-aging capabilities, are present. Nonetheless, it also includes THD ascorbate, an ultra-stable scientific breakthrough ingredient 50X more potent than typical vitamin C, to help plump and moisturize the skin’s look with hydrolyzed collagen.

Besides being beneficial to your skin, this product has no irritating or perfume chemicals, so you won’t feel greasy after using it.

If you’re searching for a more science-driven product that will visibly reduce wrinkles and general skin lift, this moisturizer is a fantastic alternative. It’s also loaded with antioxidant protection, re-oxygenating to enhance tired-looking skin, and includes Nikkol VC-IP, a potent type of cosmetic vitamin C.

Users have said that after only one week of using this product, their skin seems brighter, smoother, and more radiant and that certain indications of aging have disappeared.

Beauty Pie’s Vitamin C Oxygen Boosting Moisturizer is packed with lemon butter and shea butter, so you can expect your skin to feel revitalized without any greasy residue.

If your skin is dry or sensitive, you should definitely give this a try. The cream’s gentle ingredients won’t clog pores or aggravate even the most delicate skin. Due to its non-greasy and lightweight nature, it won’t leave behind any oily residue on your face.

A brighter, more even complexion may be yours in as little as three days with the aid of this product, which includes vitamins C and E to help combat dullness brought on by visible black spots and ultra-fine spots.

“Love this product! Great moisturizer especially for winter. No redness and it has a very unnoticeable smell. I have been using it since it came out. It straightens lines and keeps skin looking great,” shared one buyer.

You know you’ve been searching for the light, rich, moisturizer of your dreams—and now it’s here!

The jojoba seed oil is what sets this apart from others on the market. Vitamins A, D, and E, as well as Omegas 6 and 9, are found in abundance, and all of these nutrients contribute to healthier skin and a reduced risk of acne and wrinkles. As a bonus, it reduces inflammation in addition to redness and puffiness.

Prickly pear seed oil, known to soothe irritated skin and lessen redness, is also included in this vitamin C moisturizer’s formula. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of rosemary leaf extract make it effective against the germs that lead to acne outbreaks and pimples.

If you want to get your glow back and be able to see your true, youthful self again, then you need to try No7’s Daily Brightening Moisturizer.

This fast-absorbing gel-cream moisturizer is the perfect way to treat skin to a daily burst of revitalizing hydration. After just one use, skin looks brighter and more radiant, and feels nourished and revitalized. You’ll also see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, which means a more youthful-looking complexion that will be sure to impress!

With vitamin C, this moisturizer reveals the skin’s natural radiance, re-energizes tired-looking skin, helps illuminate a dull complexion and replenishes lost moisture. Now you can look like your best self without even trying—just apply it once a day after cleansing to reveal your true beauty!

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight daily moisturizer that quickly absorbs to deliver every essential vitamin for healthy-looking skin, or a light moisturizer that can help balance your oil and leave you with a dewy look all day long, this one’s for you.

The INKEY List has got the perfect combination of niacinamide as well as vitamins C and E—all of which are needed to keep your skin healthy all year round.

“This moisturizer has a nice silky feel on the skin. Takes about 5 minutes to fully absorb, so wait a bit before applying other things on top,” wrote one reviewer.

Who says you have to wake up with dull, tired skin?

With this vitamin C moisturizer from Fresh Beauty you can wake up glowing and ready to take on the day. This weightless cream is enriched with vitamins C, E, and B5 and revitalizing minerals to awaken and energize healthy-looking skin.

It’s packed with skin nutrition so it doesn’t matter how much sleep you get—this moisturizer will help your skin feel energetic, not exhausted. Plus it minimizes signs of tiredness so that you look refreshed all day long.

The uplifting citrus scent will make you feel like sunshine is just around the corner!

Taking care of your skin shouldn’t add stress to an already demanding schedule.

That’s why the folks at Native developed their illuminating facial moisturizer. Incorporating stabilized Vitamin C and Vitamin B3, this fragrance-free sunscreen moisturizer is a must-have.

Completely fragrance and paraben-free, the SPF 30 formula was formulated using 18 carefully selected components. What’s even better? Sun protection is provided by the inclusion of the mineral zinc oxide in the composition.

You’ll be ready to take on the day with this powerhouse daily vitamin C moisturizer—and you won’t even have to hit the snooze button.

The triple-action formula of vitamin C, Mandarin Orange, and Tranexamic Acid helps brighten the appearance of dull skin and dark marks up to three times faster than a basic moisturizer.

And it’s more than just a fancy name: This formula features a gel-cream texture that hydrates skin throughout the day, giving you a boost of antioxidants before you even leave your bed.

There you have it! Even though these ten fantastic vitamin C moisturizers may do a lot to lift your complexion during the colder months, you should keep in mind that they’re only the beginning. Check out our comprehensive roundup of vitamin C serums for even more potent options.

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How to Choose the Perfect Vitamin C Moisturizer

Ingredient Concentration and Formulation

Vitamin C moisturizers are known for their skin-brightening and antioxidant properties. When selecting a product, consider the concentration of Vitamin C and the formulation it comes in. Different concentrations cater to varying skin types and sensitivities, so it’s essential to find a suitable percentage for your skin’s needs. Additionally, Vitamin C can come in various forms, such as L-ascorbic acid or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which can affect the product’s stability and effectiveness.

Texture

The texture and consistency of a Vitamin C moisturizer play a significant role in how it feels on the skin and how well it absorbs. Some people may prefer lightweight lotions or gel-based formulations, while others might opt for richer creams or balms. Consider your skin type and the climate you live in when deciding on a moisturizer’s texture and consistency.

Additional Ingredients and Benefits

Many moisturizers also contain other skin-loving ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or peptides, to provide additional benefits. Look for a product that includes complementary ingredients to address your specific skincare concerns or goals, such as hydration, anti-aging, or acne prevention.

Packaging and Storage

Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, which can cause it to degrade and lose its effectiveness. Opt for a moisturizer that comes in opaque, airtight packaging to ensure the product remains stable and potent. Proper storage is also crucial; keep your moisturizer in a cool, dark place to maximize its shelf life.

Skin Type

Finally, consider your skin type when selecting a moisturizer. Some formulations may be more suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, while others may cater to dry or sensitive skin types. Choose a product that is compatible with your skin type to ensure the best results and avoid potential irritation.

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What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant commonly found in skincare products, known for its numerous benefits in maintaining healthy and radiant skin. It plays a crucial role in collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, vitamin C protects the skin from harmful environmental factors, such as UV rays and pollution, by neutralizing free radicals that can cause premature aging.

Does vitamin C help with acne?

Vitamin C can also be helpful in managing acne. While it is not a primary acne treatment, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Furthermore, vitamin C helps fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, which leads to a more even skin tone.

Can I take vitamin C at night?

Yes, you can apply vitamin C to your skin at night. In fact, using vitamin C serums or creams during your nighttime skincare routine may be beneficial, as the skin undergoes its natural repair and regeneration process while you sleep. However, vitamin C can also be used during the day, as it boosts the effectiveness of your sunscreen by neutralizing harmful free radicals. To optimize the benefits of vitamin C, it’s essential to use a product with a stable and effective formulation, and to store it in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation.

Are vitamin C moisturizers good for oily skin?

Vitamin C moisturizer can be beneficial for oily skin when used appropriately. It can also help to even out skin tone and improve skin texture, which is beneficial for individuals with oily skin who may experience acne and related pigmentation issues.

Research supports the use of vitamin C in skincare products for various skin types, including oily skin. Studies show that a topical preparation containing 5% vitamin C was effective in reducing sebum production and improving the overall appearance of oily skin. This suggests that using a vitamin C moisturizer may help balance oil production and lead to healthier-looking skin.

However, it’s important to note that the formulation of the moisturizer plays a crucial role in determining its effectiveness for oily skin. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulations that won’t clog pores or exacerbate oiliness. Lightweight, water-based formulas are often more suitable for oily skin types, as they absorb quickly and provide hydration without adding excess oil.

Do you apply vitamin C oil before a moisturizer?

When it comes to skincare, the order in which you apply your products is just as important as the products themselves. After cleansing and toning your complexion, the next step is to apply a Vitamin C serum. It is important to apply the serum before your moisturizer and SPF because of the “thinnest to thickest” rule. This means that you should apply products in order of their consistency, starting with the thinnest and ending with the thickest.

Applying Vitamin C serum before moisturizer allows it to penetrate the skin more effectively, providing maximum benefits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, boost collagen production, and improve skin brightness and tone. So, by applying the serum first, you are ensuring that it has the best chance to do its job.

This way, the serum can sink into your skin like a sponge, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated. So go ahead, give your skin the C-treat it deserves!